Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

The Akwa Ibom State government has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to take an oath, ensuring they fulfill a service bond before leaving the state.

This move is part of the government’s effort to address the ongoing issue of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities commonly known as ‘Japa.

The announcement was made by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in Uyo over the weekend.

According to Essien, the state government plans to recruit 600 medical professionals and 100 occupational safety officers to work in the newly established Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.

“Every person that government is sending out on training now is bonded to serve the government for a period that government would have recovered the investment on their training,” Essien said. “The bonding is a very serious issue now, so none of them will escape. For the medical doctors, we go as far as the Medical Council that usually gives clearance for any professional who is travelling out of the country. So, if we send your name that government has trained you, you are under bond to serve the government, so the Medical Council will not allow such a person travel out again,” he added.

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Additionally, the Head of Civil Service revealed that the state government has disbursed N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed to its workforce in unpaid gratuities, promotions, and other arrears.

This, he said , reflects the government’s commitment to worker welfare, as outlined by Governor Umo Eno, who has prioritized the financial well-being of both active and retired civil servants.

He said Governor Eno’s administration has also made significant strides in clearing long-standing debts, and the release of N500 million monthly for pension contributions has also been a key part of these efforts.

“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment,” Essien remarked. “The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result.”
Essien also noted that the administration is diligently addressing past neglect and building a sustainable structure for the future.

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

The parents’ body of students of Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the state House of Assembly, and the commissioners for education and health to intervene in its stalled negotiation with the management of the college over the astronomical fees charged by a private estate developer, BVERS Hostel and Suites.

In the petition obtained by Sunday Vanguard, the parents stated: “We, as the parents’ body of the above College, use this medium to register our ordeal with the management of the college and a private developer over exorbitant charge of N250,000 per bed space.

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income

The University of Ibadan (UI) has raised concerns over the growing trend of female students donating eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), with some reportedly turning it into a regular source of income.

The University Health Service (UHS) issued a memo, titled ‘Health Advisory on Egg Donation,’ signed by Dr. Aderonke Ajav, highlighting the issue.

University spokesperson, Joke Akinpelu, confirmed that the memo was published in the university’s bulletin.

The management has expressed alarm at the increasing number of female students involved in egg donation, urging them not to view it as a financial opportunity.

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“It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents or agencies,” the memo read.

“While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative side hustle.”

The institution acknowledged that current research has yet to provide clear conclusions on who is medically fit to donate, the safe frequency of donations, and the optimal interval between them.

As a result, the memo advised students to limit donations to no more than three times a year and to select reputable clinics that follow established guidelines and prioritize the safety of donors.

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income